a small list

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small list" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a list that contains a limited number of items or entries. Example: "I have created a small list of tasks to complete before the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just a small list, Santa.

Independent

But it's difficult with a small list".

The New York Times

The result is a small list of exceptionally high quality.

The Guardian - Books

Dinner for two with a bottle of house wine (there is also a small list): $38.

The New York Times - Travel

First, with 27 member states it is hard to have a small list of priorities.

The Economist

Crupi and Rosen have a small list for this select sale of about 140 horses.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone has a small list of those that they puzzle over.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thinking through that, you end up with a small list of names indeed.

Harvard Business Review

There's a small list of salumi, a few salads and a small selection of raw fish, or crudo.

The New York Times - Arts

Tapping the watch face brings up the app launcher, new for Wear 5.1, with a small list of apps.

The Guardian - Tech

OK, so there's, you know, a small list of things that you should know how to set up.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting options, use "a small list" to indicate a manageable number of choices, guiding the audience without overwhelming them.

Common error

Avoid using "a small list" when "a few" or "several" would be more appropriate. Overusing "a small list" can make your writing sound repetitive or unnecessarily formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small list" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It typically describes a collection or enumeration that is limited in quantity or scope. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Food

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a small list" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase indicating a limited or concise selection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and academia. The phrase functions to convey brevity and manageability, and is generally neutral in register. Alternatives such as "a short list" or "a limited list" offer similar meanings, while the choice between them often depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase to maintain variety and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short list

Synonymous; replaces "small" with "short" to indicate brevity.

a limited list

Replaces "small" with "limited", emphasizing restriction in size or scope.

a concise list

Substitutes "small" with "concise", highlighting the list's brevity and lack of unnecessary detail.

a select list

Changes "small" to "select", implying a carefully chosen or exclusive set of items.

a handful of items

Replaces "list" with "handful of items", using a more figurative expression for a small quantity.

a brief inventory

Substitutes "small list" with "brief inventory", suitable when referring to a collection of items.

a narrow selection

Replaces "list" with "selection", emphasizing the act of choosing from a limited range.

a restricted compilation

Substitutes "small list" with "restricted compilation", denoting a curated set with limitations.

a miniature catalog

Replaces "small list" with "miniature catalog", suggesting a very small and organized collection.

a focused summary

Changes "list" to "summary", implying a condensed overview of key points.

FAQs

How can I use "a small list" in a sentence?

You can use "a small list" to refer to a limited number of items, such as, "I have "a small list" of tasks to complete today".

What are some alternatives to "a small list"?

Alternatives include "a short list", "a limited list", or "a concise list", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a small list" or "a short list"?

Both "a small list" and "a short list" are generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context, as they carry very similar meanings.

When should I use "a small list" instead of "a few items"?

Use "a small list" when you are presenting the items in a structured, list-like format. Use "a few items" when the specific items are less important than the fact that there are only a small number of them.